Korda Korder
In this interview, Kelly Munro, songwriter behind Korda Korder, discusses the band’s dream-pop influences, latest single “Edge Of The World,” upcoming debut album, and evolving musical journey.
1. Hailing from Bexhill in East Sussex, Korda Korder have grown from local favourites into one of the UK’s most promising alternative acts. How did your journey begin, and what experiences have shaped the band’s identity and sound?
The band was put around my songs. I started writing for Korda Korder in the Summer of 2024. Previously I had a project called Kids Love
Surf but I wanted to go more dreampop than that. One of the 1st songs was ‘What Have You Done’. That kick started everything off.
2. Your music blends shimmering guitars, expansive synth textures, and intimate melodies, drawing comparisons to artists like Beach House and Alvvays. What are your main musical influences, and how do you balance these inspirations with developing your own distinctive sound?
I have long been a fan of The Beach Boys and New Order. I like to think some of my songs lean on those influences. But I am also a fan of Strymon guitar pedals and we all know what that leads to.
3. Your latest single, “Edge Of The World,” has received enthusiastic praise from influential figures across the UK music scene. What inspired the song, and what does its title mean to you?
I guess its the story of someone feeling completely drained by life and the pressures of being seen or having to interact. Then choosing to retreat from society, physically or mentally walking out to the “edge of the world”. But there’s also a layer of hope there.
4. From Glastonbury to The Great Escape and SXSW in London and Austin, you’ve played some major stages in recent years. How have these experiences influenced your performances, and what has been your most memorable moment on the journey so far?
We don’t do lods of live shows. The big shows have been great but I think the feedback for the songs is the best part.
5. You’ve been working on your long-awaited debut album over the past year. Can you tell us something about the creative process behind it, and how does the album expand on the sound and themes explored in “Edge Of The World”?
At the moment I have kind of gone down the rabbit hole that is modding synths and looping delay and reverb pedals. That was not the case when the project started. I’m gonna have to pull back from the experimentation and concentrate on the actual writing of songs but There’s so much fun to be had with hardware these days. I probably need another 5 great songs for the LP. Right now there are no more great songs in the tank. But I’m working on it.
6. With growing recognition from BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X, and international audiences, Korda Korder seem ready to take the next step. What are your ambitions for the band over the coming years, and what would you like listeners to discover about you through your music?
Its all about the songs but that just takes time and it can’t be rushed. Also everytime we go out live its a different band so that’s also work that needs to be done.
There are no long plans for Korda Korder. I just take it as it comes. I’m trying to concentrate on the music and not think about where it goes.